Growing Plum Tomatoes

how to grow plum tomatoes

The extra meat makes growing plum tomatoes hold their shape better than juicier varieties.Plum tomatoes are what Italian sauce is all about.

The roma plum tomato, often egg shaped, are meatier than their counterparts and make excellent plum tomato sauces but also are ideal to dry. The plum tomatoes have fewer seeds than their counterparts and therefore require less straining. If you can whole tomatoes, these are perfect ones to use. There are several varieties of plum tomatoes. These include the Roma, San Marzano, Ropreco Paste, Amish paste,black plum tomato and Big Mama. The San Marzano is most often used in Italian dishes.

Growing Plum Tomatoes from Seed or Plants

Most people start their san marzano plum tomatoes from plants rather than seed. These people often plant less than a dozen tomatoes or want to have a variety of different types. If you start your plants from seed, you need to have an adequate source of light or your plants turn out rather weak and leggy.

Find a container large enough to hold the number of plum tomato seeds you wish to plant. The container needs adequate drainage at the bottom. Fill it with starting soil and plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep. Cover the container to maintain the moisture level and place it atop the refrigerator. The refrigerator is ideal since it provides a warm environment not subject to bright sunlight. Some people use the top of a dryer if it’s in a dark area. Check daily to make sure the soil is still moist. Add water if it isn’t.

Once the plum seeds sprout, move them to a sunny area or area of artificial light. If you use artificial light, you’ll need at least 16 hours of light daily. If you have a cold frame in your yard, you can transfer these to that area once they’re several inches tall. You’ll need to harden them off before you plant. Hardening off is acclimating the plum tomato plants to the cooler outside weather. Do this by putting the plants outside for longer periods each day.

Planting the Seedlings

When growing plum tomatoes space your plants 24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart for easier access. If you have little space, tomatoes grow wonderfully on a mounded area. Prepare the soil by thoroughly turning it and adding additional composted material or fertilizer. Dig a hole deep enough to place the tomato and soil around it. Tamp the tomato in lightly. Cover the tomatoes if the weatherman predicts frost. Newspapers work well for this job. Milk containers with the bottom removed also work.

Watering plum tomato varieties

Keep the tomatoes adequately watered. Don’t let them dry out and then drench them as it causes the skins to crack. It’s particularly important not to allow the seedling to dry. Don’t over water the tomatoes as it causes rot. The soil should feel moist to your touch but not wet.

Pests

The biggest pests of tomatoes are Tomato Hornworms. These hungry little fellows nibble on your crop, its leaves and move onto the next tomato. Other pests that eat leaves are cabbage loopers, blister beetles, Colorado potato beetles and flea beetles. You can pick these fellows off the plants or use beneficial predators to eliminate them. There are also organic pesticide soaps that help keep bugs at bay. Pests that suck sap from the plant include aphids, greenhouse whitefly, stink bugs, silverleaf whiteflies and western flower thrips.

Growing Plum Tomatoes Disease

Keeping plants free from disease becomes easier, just like pest management when the area is free of ground debris. Rotation of the tomatoes is also important in keeping both the plants disease free and pest free. Water the plants in the morning so the leaves have time to dry and keep adequate circulation around them to prevent fungus growth.

Custom Search

Return to home page of gardening tips idea from Growing Plum Tomatoes